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    Top Colleges in North Carolina

    Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

    Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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    Updated: May 7th, 2024

    It’s no secret that North Carolina has some great options for college. With schools like Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest, North Carolina draws in students from all across the country every year. Check out the North Carolina colleges below to find the right fit for you.

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    47 colleges
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    Top College Top College

    Duke University

    Durham, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

    Durham, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

    6% acceptance rate
    6,815 undergraduate students
    96% graduation rate
    $31,416 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College
    Top College Top College: Affordability

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill, NC • Public, City, Need-Blind

    Chapel Hill, NC

    Public, City, Need-Blind

    20% acceptance rate
    19,722 undergraduate students
    90% graduation rate
    $13,263 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College

    Davidson College

    Davidson, NC • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

    Davidson, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

    18% acceptance rate
    1,970 undergraduate students
    90% graduation rate
    $17,057 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College

    Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

    Winston-Salem, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, City

    25% acceptance rate
    5,465 undergraduate students
    90% graduation rate
    $29,214 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College
    Top College Top College: Affordability

    North Carolina State University at Raleigh

    Raleigh, NC • Public, City

    Raleigh, NC

    Public, City

    47% acceptance rate
    24,999 undergraduate students
    84% graduation rate
    $16,239 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College: Affordability

    Appalachian State University

    Boone, NC • Public, Town

    Boone, NC

    Public, Town

    85% acceptance rate
    18,486 undergraduate students
    73% graduation rate
    $13,897 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College: Affordability

    Salem College

    Winston-Salem, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

    Winston-Salem, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, City

    90% acceptance rate
    346 undergraduate students
    67% graduation rate
    $10,492 average per year after aid
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    University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Wilmington, NC • Public, City

    Wilmington, NC

    Public, City

    68% acceptance rate
    14,161 undergraduate students
    72% graduation rate
    $19,999 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College: Affordability

    University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    Winston Salem, NC • Public, City

    Winston Salem, NC

    Public, City

    30% acceptance rate
    935 undergraduate students
    70% graduation rate
    $13,097 average per year after aid
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    Elon University

    Elon, NC • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

    Elon, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

    78% acceptance rate
    6,302 undergraduate students
    83% graduation rate
    $39,437 average per year after aid
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    Top College Top College: Affordability

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Charlotte, NC • Public, City

    Charlotte, NC

    Public, City

    79% acceptance rate
    23,708 undergraduate students
    66% graduation rate
    $16,873 average per year after aid
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    East Carolina University

    Greenville, NC • Public, City

    Greenville, NC

    Public, City

    94% acceptance rate
    21,231 undergraduate students
    66% graduation rate
    $16,162 average per year after aid
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    University of North Carolina at Asheville

    Asheville, NC • Public, City

    Asheville, NC

    Public, City

    82% acceptance rate
    3,084 undergraduate students
    65% graduation rate
    $13,069 average per year after aid
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    Meredith College

    Raleigh, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

    Raleigh, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, City

    70% acceptance rate
    1,411 undergraduate students
    68% graduation rate
    $19,897 average per year after aid
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    Western Carolina University

    Cullowhee, NC • Public, Town

    Cullowhee, NC

    Public, Town

    79% acceptance rate
    9,980 undergraduate students
    61% graduation rate
    $13,640 average per year after aid
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    University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Greensboro, NC • Public, City

    Greensboro, NC

    Public, City

    91% acceptance rate
    14,889 undergraduate students
    58% graduation rate
    $11,110 average per year after aid
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    Wingate University

    Wingate, NC • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

    Wingate, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

    85% acceptance rate
    2,480 undergraduate students
    61% graduation rate
    $18,345 average per year after aid
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    North Carolina A & T State University

    Greensboro, NC • Public, City

    Greensboro, NC

    Public, City

    57% acceptance rate
    11,327 undergraduate students
    53% graduation rate
    $10,413 average per year after aid
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    Queens University of Charlotte

    Charlotte, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

    Charlotte, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, City

    69% acceptance rate
    1,418 undergraduate students
    64% graduation rate
    $28,764 average per year after aid
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    High Point University

    High Point, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

    High Point, NC

    Private, Non-Profit, City

    80% acceptance rate
    4,871 undergraduate students
    70% graduation rate
    $39,317 average per year after aid
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    About the Data

    We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard. Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

    State Grants in North Carolina

    Most states offer their own state-wide grants to help residents obtain an affordable education. Here are some of the most prominent state-wide grants in North Carolina:

    NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students

    This need-based scholarship calculates eligibility through the FAFSA and subsidizes private school education for North Carolina students who end up attending school in-state.

    NC Scholarship

    North Carolina residents attending a University of North Carolina school can apply for a NC Scholarship if they meet financial need criteria. As long as students meet the criteria for this grant and apply while funds remain, they should receive it; there is no competitive application involved.

    NC Education Lottery Scholarship

    The NC Education Lottery Scholarship offers scholarships to NC residents attending schools in the state. Requirements are not especially strict; undergraduate students who meet Pell Grant requirements and fulfill the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of their school are eligible. 

    North Carolina Tuition Reciprocity Agreements

    North Carolina does not participate in undergraduate tuition reciprocity programs, but if you are a graduate student, be sure to look into the Academic Common Market, because the state does participate for graduate programs.

    Other college lists to explore

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the hardest North Carolina college to get into?

    Duke University has the lowest acceptance rate of any college in the state of North Carolina, admitting 6% of admitted students in 2023.

    But this low admission rate should not deter you from applying. Remember, your application can always catch an admissions officer’s eye, and everyone should apply to at least a couple of reach schools!

    Why should I study in North Carolina?

    North Carolina is a great state to attend college if you’re interested in doing research in technology, biotechnology, or healthcare. It’s been a hub of innovation in each of these fields. It’s also a state with amazing natural features and outdoor activities. You can find both beautiful mountains and sandy beaches, all in the same state. The state is also more affordable than states like California and New York, all while being home to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, like Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. 

     

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